Mickey Compton’s life trends towards disaster, always. When Helena Digby offers him a place to stay in Alouett in exchange for doing odd jobs around her inn, he thinks luck might finally be on his side. 

Helena’s son, Hugh, has always done what’s best for everyone and it’s worked out well for him. He’s the master’s mate on the naval brig, King’s Glory, and will soon become a sailing master in his own right. 

 Every time King’s Glory anchors, Hugh and Mickey find themselves drawn towards one another, something that is definitely not in Hugh’s plan. While Mickey is busy falling for Hugh, the master’s mate keeps Mickey at arm’s length. All the while, Louisa Digby, Hugh’s sister, is quickly falling in love with Mickey. 

 Nursing a broken heart is so much easier when there’s someone else to fill the void, so when Hugh’s ship sails once again, Mickey uses Louisa as a balm on his heartbreak. When he finds she’s in the family way, he does the only honorable thing he can think of. He marries her and takes a respectable job.  

 A job aboard King’s Glory with Hugh.

 Hearts are fickle things and fates aren’t done with Mickey, yet. The twists of Mickey’s life never really go as he expects, or hopes, but one thing remains true through it all… Hugh holds the keys to Mickey’s heart. Maybe someday Hugh will forgive Mickey enough to realize it. 

Maybe.  

 If the troubles that follow Mickey throughout life don’t catch up with him first. 

Content Warning: This book contains graphic depictions of piratical violence, bigotry, cheating spouses, and torture.